SME Go Digital grant

SME Go Digital grant for Singapore Business in 2019

Go Digital grant is announced in 2017 with a budget of 80 million would to be injected into the scheme for over 4 years to groom SME to develop their technical competencies. This scheme serves as a roadmap for the digital transformation of the country and it consists of several components which include, cyber security, data analytic, data protection and etc.

Depending on the current level of information technology in the company, and their skillset. Every business would have different needs. This scheme would support 4 different categories to support the different need of businesses. Summary of the scheme could be understood from the chart below.

For knowledgeable people who understand about business grants. SME Go Digital evolved from a previously known ISprint scheme. Initially, it consisted of pre-approved software packages for various business and industry vertical. Now the scheme is streamline and the coverage has widen to include more activities including consultancy, training and project management.

4 categories supported under SME Go Digital grant

Industrial Digital Plan (IDP) – Guide on digital solution and training for each stage of business growth. IDP would provide a recommendation on information technology software and infrastructure road map for the industry and development from phrase to phrase.

It consist of a series of road map for different industries. You could explore more about them from the link given below.

It is interesting to note that above all the industries given above, the Wholesale industry has interesting attention. According to IMDA release, there are signs and hints given on creation of B2B market place. Currently, there is a release of B2B seafood e-market factsheet. You could expect more B2B effort soon but personally, I have mixed feelings on this national platform. Small business usually can’t survive in marketplace because it’s a slaughterhouse. Its good for the end consumer but not the middle tier re-sellers.

Pre-approved Solutions – Pre-approved software solutions package for purchase with up to 70% support on purchase. Due to this reason, ISpring from IMDA and ICV from Enterprise Singapore streamline into one scheme knows as the Productivity Solutions Scheme (PSG). You might want to find out more about the scheme address in another section of this website.

Consultancy Services (SME Digital Tech Hub) – Expert advice from experience tech consultants to deep dive into the business need for digital transformation. They are equipped with a wide spectrum of knowledge in digital technology. You might want to have a discussion with them to understand the technology landscape before embarking on any project.

Project Management Services – Working with project managers with expertise to support the implementation of technology. Project managers have two roles in assisting the respective businesses.

They would certify, train and mentor experience Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs).

Works with businesses to implement pre-approved software.

This makes me wonder how hard it could be to install a software. Since this is a scheme to help businesses with no information technology backbone. Likely, the assistance is provided for companies with no tech competencies.

Conclusion on SME Go Digital grant

This a good imitative created to help businesses to create a technology backbone for the company. It is best suit for business without any tech knowledge. Companies with IT managers would likely not required most of the assistance offered.

If you have some basic level of tech knowledge and would like to implement you own digital transformation. You could still utilise the resources below.

Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)- funding up to 70% project cost for customerised digital information technology solution. It was formerly know as Capability Development Grant (CDG).